"Progressives" are how the communists label people who take up the communist/socialist cause.

"Reactionaries" are those who are opposed to the Progressives, communism and socialism.

While these terms have been known for a long time, the West first became acquainted with them first hand in 1953, when the first POWs were being released by the North Koreans and Chicoms.

Those prisoners who embraced socialism and communist ideals were labeled "progressives" in the communist run POW camps. They often got better treatment and better food rations than the "reactionaries", those who opposed communism and socialism.

It's interesting that liberals today refer to themselves as "progressives". Even more interesting have been the liberal leaders calling conservatives "radicals" and 'extremists" during any legislation that might curb the ever increasing size of the socialist programs.

I wonder if they know the history of the words they use, whether they're ignorant, or if they really know and are proud of it?